Yuk choy: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is making early preparations to ensure schools are operationally ready for the intake of Year One pupils under the 'double cohort' situation next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh stated that the 'double cohort' involves the simultaneous enrolment of six- and seven-year-old children into Year One. The ministry has commenced early planning, focusing on school operations, teacher placement, and classroom facilities.
Wong highlighted that the MOE will monitor the number of six-year-olds registering after March 31 to determine actual needs at the school level, while also allowing parents ample time to make informed decisions. The ministry's early planning addresses teacher availability and school facilities across the nation.
Under the MADANI Government, teacher placement rates have improved from 95 percent to over 97 percent across various school types, including national, Chinese-medium, and Tamil-medium schools. Wong disclosed this information during a press conference following his working visit to Yuk Choy High School (SUWA).
The MOE is in talks with the Education Service Commission (SPP) to boost teacher recruitment, including interim solutions while new teachers undergo training, which typically spans up to five years at the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG). The ministry is also identifying schools facing classroom shortages, particularly those overcrowded, and plans to construct additional classrooms using the Industrialised Building System (IBS).
Wong noted that the modular IBS method allows for completion of additional classrooms within four to five months, a significant reduction compared to the conventional construction timeframe of two to three years. This method has proven effective in locations such as Cyberjaya.
Regarding the number of schools affected by classroom shortages, Wong mentioned that the ministry is still assessing actual needs before divulging any final figures. Existing data on overcrowded schools and those previously not overcrowded will be reassessed to ensure facility adequacy remains intact.